Front office jobs do not grow on trees. That is especially the case when it comes to a franchise that not only wants to win, but has an owner that is willing to spend whatever it takes to bring a championship home. Such is the case with the New York Mets and owner Steve Cohen.
But no one wants to work there. The Mets keep attempting to interview candidates, but they keep getting turned down. Right now, the front office is Sandy Alderson, some cardboard boxes, and maybe a tumbleweed or two.
Reasons why no one wants to join the New York Mets
Why is that? The Mets seemingly have everything a general manager wants – an invested owner with deep pockets who wants to spend. They would be able to build the front office to their values, bringing in their own people. But even that is not enough to land the Mets first 40 choices.
Let’s look at some reasons why no one wants to work for the New York Mets.
Sandy Alderson’s presence
Nominally, Sandy Alderson is the team president of the New York Mets. He is also the acting general manager as the Mets do not have another option.
Nominally, this would not be an issue. However, at this point, the Mets are not planning on hiring a president of baseball operations, just a general manager. With Alderson being so close to the role, and with his experience as a GM in the past, there may be some concern about his being so close to Steve Cohen, especially if he does not agree with a move being made.
Chances are, those concerns are much ado about nothing. Alderson has been a respected figure in the game for close to four decades. It is doubtful that he would ruin his reputation out of petty jealousy or because he disagrees with the direction a new general manager is taking the ballclub.
Alderson could also be a strong mentor for a neophyte general manager. He has been in a variety of front office roles over the years and would make a great sounding board. A first time GM could not ask for a better person to learn from.
But for some reason, that may not be considered to be the case. Sandy Alderson’s presence could be part of why the New York Mets cannot get any interest in their front office vacancies.